ZERO TOLERANCE IS TOO SEVERE, FATHER SAYS

Will Masters is the first to admit his 16-year-old son made a big mistake
when he brought a small amount of marijuana to Hartford Union High School's
homecoming dance last month.

But the offense, a first violation of the school's zero tolerance policy on
drugs and alcohol, shouldn't cost him an education, Masters believes. "This
can really send a wrong message to a child that society can just toss you
out like a piece of garbage," he said. "He's been punished enough."

"There needs to be consequences, but this is severe," agreed Jacque
Neitzel, Masters' longtime partner who considers herself the boy's
step-mother. "You're 16, and you're done."

Masters and Neitzel have been searching for educational options for the
teen, who was expelled for two years by the Union High School Board on Nov.
2. He is one of 10 Hartford students expelled for marijuana and alcohol
offenses at school since the start of classes this fall.

A total of 21 students have been involved in such offenses, 18 during a
single two-week period last month.

The problems have prompted school officials to call a meeting tonight to
discuss the situation with parents and students. The session starts at 7:30
p.m. in the school's Cafe North.

Masters, who plans to attend the meeting along with his son, said he
decided to talk about how the policy has affected his family to help other
parents and students who may be faced with the same situation. He thinks
that the penalties are too severe and that first-time offenders such as his
son should be given another chance.

Hartford's zero tolerance policy has been in place since 1988.

District administrator Richard Zimmerman said it has been the consistent
practice of the School Board to expel any student caught with drugs or
alcohol at school.

"That's what zero tolerance means," he said.

Expulsions are rarely permanent, and students are typically given a chance
to apply for readmission if they agree to certain criteria.

Although the rules are tough, Zimmerman points out that the practice
mirrors real life: Any employee caught with drugs or alcohol at work would
be fired.

"I don't think the consequence, though severe, is unrealistic," he said.

The discussion comes as other local districts are considering toughening
their policies on student drug and alcohol use.

On Monday, the Slinger School Board discussed revisions to its policy that
would give administrators the option of expelling a first-time offender.
The policy is expected to take effect in January.

Gary Myrah, director of special services for the Port Washington-Saukville
School District, said officials would be considering creation of a zero
tolerance policy on drugs and alcohol this year. Although administrators do
not tolerate student use of drugs or alcohol on school grounds, the
consequences now vary depending on circumstances and the student's history.

A tougher policy would make expulsion a more frequent consequence, Myrah said.

Expulsion does mean a lack of alternatives for students, Zimmerman said. In
fact, he plans to emphasize that point when he talks with parents tonight.

Masters' son is eligible to apply for readmission to Hartford next fall if
he proves he has earned three credits toward graduation and agrees to an
evaluation for drug and alcohol problems. He must also agree to random drug
screening.

So far, Masters and Neitzel have been unable to find a way for him to earn
the credits he needs.

Because he was expelled for a drug offense, other private and public
schools have said they would not accept him. Sending him to a private
alternative school in Milwaukee would cost $6,000 a year and require daily
trips back and forth.

Taking correspondence courses would not allow him to earn enough credits by
the deadline.

He must be 18 before he can enroll in a program to earn his GED, the
equivalent of a high school diploma.

School officials should have done more to help them find an alternative,
Masters and Neitzel believe. Zimmerman said his staff is working on a
booklet outlining alternatives for students who have been expelled or need
alternative placement.

The booklet should be available by the end of the week to anyone who asks
for it.

Masters said school has not been easy for his son. He is not a strong
student and did not pass all of his classes last year.

He has been suspended before but never for violent offenses, according to
his father. Despite the difficulties, his son wants nothing more than to
return to school and earn a regular high school diploma. Masters believes
he has learned from his mistake but needs to continue learning to succeed
in life.